A History of Kings County Agriculture

What an incredible turnout we had for our recent display at the Carnegie Museum of Kings County! It was heartwarming to see hundreds of visitors from all walks of life, including residents from Hanford, our vibrant agriculture community, eager open house guests, and enthusiastic school groups—all coming together to celebrate our local heritage.

If you missed it, don’t worry! You can catch the highlights by visiting our website’s exhibition page to watch the wrap-up videos from Parts I & II.

A huge thank you goes out to our generous sponsors: Richard and Lisa Conway, Ceres Agricultural Products, LLC, The Humason Family—Wilma, Dan, and Libby—the Sharp Family—Janet, Bill, Diane, and Bob—and Michael and Christine Semas. Your support truly embodies the collaborative spirit that makes our museum a cornerstone of preserving Kings County's rich history.

We’re excited to keep the momentum going, so stay curious and engaged with us as we continue to offer programs and events that celebrate our community’s unique cultural tapestry!

2026 Exhibit

"Building Kings County"

Our curation committee is preparing a year-long exhibition that traces how Kings County was built—brick by brick and story by story. From the railroads that shaped early towns and Highway 198’s path through Hanford’s historic Black community, to the Santa Rosa Rancheria and Hanford’s Taoist Temple, we’ll explore and celebrate how construction has shaped our landscapes and lives.

There will be VIP a Opening Reception on February 20th and the exhibit will officially open to the public on Saturday, February 21st.

We are greatful to the underwriters of this exhibition, The Hanford Rotary Club Community Foundation and Michael & Christine Semas.

Membership Campaign

Being a member of the Carnegie Museum of Kings County helps us preserve the stories of our past, create meaningful experiences in the present, and inspire future generations. Your support keeps our mission alive — thank you for being part of our history.

Please consider joining us and enjoy the perks of an annual membership.

Individual - $50

Free admission to exhibitions
Invitation to pre-opening receptions
Invitation to special lectures and members-only events

Family - $100

Free admission for two adults and children 0-17
Invitation for immediate family members to opening receptions
Invitation to special lectures and members-only events

Benefactor - $500

Family Membership benefits

PLUS

2 guests free admission to exhibitions
2 guests to opening receptions
2 guests to Members-only events
Discounted garden rental fee (25% off)
2 Gift items - choice of shirt, hat, mug, or tote bag
Recognition as Benefactor Member in museum marketing material

Patron - $1,000

Benefactor Membership benefits

PLUS

4 guests free admission to exhibitions
4 guests to opening receptions
4 guests to Members-only events
Discounted garden rental fee (50% off)
4 gift items - shirt, hat, mug, tote bag
Recognition as Patron Member in museum marketing material

Join Today

You may also complete this membership application form and bring it to the museum during regular museum hours.

Accessibility Project Launch!

At the Carnegie Museum of Kings County, we are dedicated to ensuring that our cultural treasures are accessible to everyone in our community. To further this mission, we are embarking on an initiative to install a wheelchair lift adjacent to our rear entrance, alongside essential modifications to enhance accessibility for all visitors.

We are committed to raising $200,000 to bring this vision to life, and we invite you to join us in this important endeavor. Throughout 2026, we will be actively seeking grants and donations to fund this transformative project, which will not only improve the visitor experience but also foster a sense of pride in preserving our local heritage.

We encourage you to consider contributing to this vital cause through our online donation link. Additionally, if you know of potential donors who share our commitment to inclusivity and education, please reach out to us. Together, we can create a welcoming space that enriches the cultural landscape of Kings County for generations to come.

Donate to the project

Retalhos

We are excited to announce that after the success of our 2023 "Retalhos" exhibits, which told the story of the Portuguese in Kings County, curator Kathi Mendes Gulley has been invited to curate a similar exhibit on the island of Terceira, Azores.

The exhibit will be an official part of the 2026 Sanjoaninas festival, and will be showcased at the Angra City Hall, in Angra, Terceira, Azores.

The Sanjoaninas is an annual celebration on Terceira, lasting for ten days around the feast day of St. John on June 23 and 24. This year's festival begins on June 19 and lasts through June 28.

City Hall is a prominent building at the heart of the festival, adjacent to the city square and the historic Angra Garden Hotel. Terceira, like the other islands of the Azores, is small.

Flights to and from the island and hotel rooms are limited in June. Anyone wishing to visit for the Sanjoaninas should make arrangements now. Lorraine Kazarian of Altour, Fresno, has a group tour traveling to the islands and has a few seats on flights and hotel rooms available. She can be reached via email.

Volunteers needed!

At the Carnegie Museum of Kings County, our vibrant community flourishes because of the incredible dedication of our volunteers! We warmly invite you to become a part of our fantastic CMKC docent team, where you’ll have the delightful opportunity to greet and guide visitors through our rich tapestry of local history every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Imagine the joy you'll bring to families and history buffs alike as you share your passion for Kings County's cultural heritage. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by an amazing team that makes every shift feel like a fun gathering of friends. If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lois Bentley via email for more information or to express your interest in joining our docent family. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Historic Downtown Hanford Walking Tour

In July, we were thrilled to announce the launch of our walking tour, showcasing 12 of Hanford's most iconic buildings, each steeped in rich history and local significance. As you stroll through the picturesque Civic Auditorium Park area, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating stories that shaped our beloved town. This tour is not just an exploration of the past; it’s a chance to deepen your connection to our community and foster a sense of pride in our shared heritage. We invite you to join us on this journey, where every step reveals the unique character of Hanford and its architectural treasures. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity—begin your walking tour today and be part of discovering the storied past that makes our downtown truly special.

Carnegie Car Show

On June 6, 2026, the streets of downtown Hanford will come alive as we celebrate the 5th Annual Carnegie Museum of Kings County Car Show. Mark your calendars and be part of this annual event. Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates.